The Mac Store

Don’t bother. Go to Best Buy if you need Mac accessories in Eugene. The Mac Store has almost nothing available with the answer «we will order that». Well, I can order and not have to park at Valley River Inn and walk into the very center of the mall. I couldn’t even get an auxiliary cord because «those sell out fast…» (well then order more inventory.). This bare bones franchise isn’t worth the walk into the mall. Order online… because that’s what they’ll do! Best Buy is really the only place that is stocked with the chargers, cords and adaptors you need. I hate big Box but when I need an accessory, I need an accessory.

If you call the Eugene apple store you will not get a live person but will be redirected to India for your inquiry be it sales or repairs — be warned. All products assembled in China!!!

I am not sure why Apple continues to let this company and their poorly trained staff represent them. I would rather drive to Portland or go to MacTonic so I can deal with individuals that actually know the products and take the time to assist their customers and their respective needs. I went into the MacStore in Eugene last Thursday and was in need of repairs and a new MacBook Air for a problem that Apple was recalling. The MacStore wanted to charge me for something that Apple was not charging for first, second I had no choice to buy a MacBook Air from the MacStore as I needed to get back to work. I took my MacBook Pro into MacTonic where they sent it to Apple with no charge to me… If they would of had an available computer to buy I would of, but they have a waiting list to buy from them… CAUSE THEY TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS!!!
I vote with my dollars and tell everyone in my circle about my experiences. Especially since this is not the first time I have had horrific customer service from the MacStore but it will me my last.

Five employees, four customers and I had to wait. When I visit a real Apple Store owned by Apple, there are hundreds of people in the store and an employee will approach me to assist in seconds. If I bring my computer without a receipt they ask me for my email. Not this place. Go to the real Apple Store in the University campus.
I’d given them an extra star because the store is organized and the a/​c works.

Was getting some work done on my iPhone. They were quite busy, but the staff was very friendly & knowledgable.

I have really only been in here (with a purpose) a couple times. I was having issues with my MacBook Pro. I thought it had a virus or something crazy because there were so many pop ups and ads on every page; I couldn’t do anything. Once I started school and realized i had math homework online: i decided I needed to do something because i have to do my homework. I made an appointment online (which I’d recommend doing, cause they get pretty busy) and i got there and the guy who helped me was really nice and explained all the things that could be wrong and everything he was deleting and why.
After an hour, it was done. he restarted my computer and everything was ship-​shape. The internet was faster, no ads anywhere. It was awesome.
AND it was free!

Absolutely horrible. They told me they could replace my iPhone 5 battery, no problem. Just bring it in before 5.
So I cut my hiking plans short to be here by 3. And when I came in they said they had no batteries.
I drove 30 minutes out of my way for this.

Just take my advice. Buy your next Mac anywhere else but here. And if you’re in Eugene/​Springfield have it serviced at Mactonic. Honest. I’ve purchased a lot of technology and this was my first and absolutely last through a Mac store.
I just picked up my new laptop after leaving it for data transfer and it’s hard to imagine more snotty, arrogant retail clerks. The young man who sold me this laptop last week was personable but every question I asked got glossed over. Like this one today, for example, after I checked the new laptop to confirm that Microsoft Office 2011 had been loaded on (which is what he sold me).
ME: «You sold me Microsoft Office 2011 but this clearly says it’s 2008»
MAC: «That’s because it hasn’t changed that much since 2008.»
ME: «But why didn’t I get 2011 anyway because that’s what you sold me and that’s what I paid for and, by the way, paid this store to install.»
MAC: «Really, it’s just the same.»
Huh? By this time I was so annoyed by the snotty girl behind the counter and the laconic tech from the week before that I just sighed and left. I’m in business and in my business anyone who is spending money with my company deserves my greatest respect. In this store, where I’d spend over $ 1,500, I was treated as if my presence was a big bother.
Apparently Mac doesn’t feel it’s necessary to train their staff in excellent customer service which (make note Apple) is the ONLY reason you have to go to a store anymore. You can buy Macs online, at BestBuy, and several other options so drop the attitude. You’re just not that special. Oh, and blondie behind the counter? Hip glasses and a bad ass tattoo do not make you special. Drop the attitude and treat people who are spending thousands of dollars with respect and courtesy. Your mother is probably the only person in the world who would pay $ 1,500 just to bask in your presence.
If you live in Eugene and you’ve got a Mac and think you need to go to the Mac store for service, IT’S NOT TRUE! My friend and I bought new laptops the same day (between us we spent $ 3,700 and were still treated like crap) and she took hers to Mactonic in Eugene for the data transfer. She was charged $ 25 and got it the next day. And the Mactonic foks were courteous and helpful.
I, on the other hand, had the Mac store transfer my data. I was charged $ 99 and waited for six days. And the Mac staff… well, I’ve already said it.
Go to the Mac store in Eugene, Oregon at Valley River Mall ONLY if you have a deep desire to spend gobs of money to be treated like crap. If that’s your aim, you will love it!

If you need something replaced, check online first. I needed to fix/​replace my MacBook Pro charger, and the lady who helped me told me it would be $ 79 for a new one. Didn’t even look at the charger, didn’t offer an other options. Went home and found a new replacement charger on sale at Amazon for $ 14.99.

Brought my IPod in as the screen had turned black. Tried fixing it myself with no luck. Brought it in and the guys fixed in within a minute. Was in and out of the mall within 5 minutes. I hate malls. The Apple guys were great! If you have a broken Apple thing they can cheerfully help you.

I’ve used them just for service for my macbook pro for over a year.
This review is only for customer service etc. Not for the store itself.
The service I received was a 3 on a scale from 1 – 5. There is one person that I met
for the first time this past week. Well what can I say that is fit for print? He didn’t seem
to want to help me at first. I had brought my macbook into the store the week before and received a loaner. I was unhappy with the loaner as I felt it was like I had dial up.
It was so slow. I had done everything possible to speed it up. This Macbook Loaner should be put to pasture! It doesn’t have enough ram etc. But the first thing after I voiced my complaints in a sincere and patient way was after he looked at he said «who is your internet provider» After I answered he said «It’s them» No My internet
connection is just fine. I have a ipad/​smart tv that have no issues.
He appeared not wanting to be bothered, on the border of being rude. He rarely made eye contact. I hate that.
If I knew of somewhere else I would go there. As for the selection in the store itself
it is limited.

I came and stood in the store wanting to buy two iPads and was blatantly ignored by two employees. So I approached an employee and found out they had what I wanted I left briefly to talk with the wife. When I returned the gentlemen who helped me tried to convince me he was giving me a deal on the newer iPad mini for the price of the original, which I had planned to buy anyway and that the case I was buying for my iPad air was a smart case which turns out, it wasn’t. For them to have as much stock on such hot selling items during holiday season is probably a testament to the service they provide. This was definitely the only time I’m going to purchase anything from there.

It’s a Mac store, meaning by default they can only do what you agreed to when purchasing your products. However, when I had an issue with my iPad, they were able to promptly replace it for me without me having to take a trip to Portland. The staff was very friendly and remembered me when I came in for pickup. As far as Mac stores go, this isn’t a bad one.

Long before the proliferation of Apple retail stores, places like the Mac Store were the only place to satisfy your Apple fix. Either that, or brave a trek to a CompUSA (remember those?).
Since Apple stores are nearly ubiquitous in major cities, the small, independent Apple resellers have mostly gone the way of the buffalo. Of course, Eugene is far from a major city — but since it’s a college town I sort of expected Apple to put down roots here regardless. So unless you’re up for the hour-​ish drive to Tigard, the Mac Store is where you go.
But that’s the thing — since a real Apple store is close enough — you’d think the Mac Store would really do a lot to try and distinguish itself rather than just be the Apple reseller by default. They really don’t. I mean, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with the store, but there’s nothing necessarily right with it either. Really, that’s the most I could take away from my visits here — a resounding MEH.

I have had nothing but good experiences in this store, which is why I have to write this review. The sales people here are knowledgeable, and helped me find a great iPad case even though I bought my iPad online (I wanted an engraving which they don’t do). Also, their macoligosts helped me when I stupidly forgot my password, and were very patient with me, and gave me great tips on how to make a password that I can remember easily. I think we are lucky to have the Mac store here in eugene!

My review is based on my experience after several visits (and some purchases) from this location over the past year or so.
First, I want to be clear:
On one hand, I’m reluctant to write this review because I understand the implications negative reviews can have on a business. On the other hand, the Mac Store at VRC really needs improvement in just about every aspect in order for customers (like myself) to have an enjoyable experience from the moment entering the store to the moment leaving (similar to the generally enjoyable experience while at a Apple Retail Store). Moreover, this review isn’t a condemnation toward one person or criticism based on unfounded aspersions or a one-​time «fluke» experience. My experience has been consistent.
A few cons:
–The staff isn’t knowledgable (at least the girls I spoke with who didn’t even know what Aperture was!!) With all do respect — a few of you don’t seem to know your way around a Mac very well
–The Macs on display don’t even have Aperture. I’m considering an Aperture upgrade so this is significant to me
–The staff — generally speaking — isn’t solution focused. Case and point: I asked a staff member about upgrade options for RAM and she not only didn’t know if an upgrade was possible, she didn’t focus on creating a solution /​solving my concern. She didn’t engage me effectively by asking questions to better understand what is important to me. It turns out I was telling her about the products she sells!
–Store is too small meaning minimal products on display and the support area is elbow to elbow
–The staff is nothing like Apple Retail stories in terms of friendliness… the two people I talked to the a couple months ago weren’t friendly and one girl didn’t even smile a single time.
–There is no One on One training available (for more than 15 mins.)
–The mall hours are too limited
These are the main cons I can think of right now…
I will change my review if my experience changes.
I really like Apple products but don’t go to the Mac Store in Eugene unless you absolutely have to.
Sincerely

I have been nothing but pleased with the service I received at the Mac Store. I went in with a slow, icky laptop and they very quickly and straightforwardly diagnosed the problem and sent it in for repairs. I received a new logic board, top case, fan, keyboard, and track pad all covered under AppleCare. The only downside is that they had to send away the computer so it took about a week to finish. That said, unless you are in Portland, nobody in Oregon to the best of my knowledge does in shop AppleCare repairs.
They lose a star due to some staff being a little bit lacking in the social skills department. They can seem just awkward/​creepy/​surly when dealing with customers. One salesperson, Zach, was very helpful, funny, and respectful when I was shopping for a new laptop bag the other day. I really appreciated his knowledge as well as his apparent care more about me making the right decision rather than simply making a sale!

A few years ago the Mac Store moved to Valley River Center and since then they have gone downhill. Now if you need help with your Apple product be prepared to pay money up front before they even look at it. Can someone please tell me why I should pay $ 100 just for a quote to replace the bottom casing on my MacBook? What a joke. Anytime I have needed any repairs since they moved in to VRC this has happened. They upgraded their look to Apple Store wannabes but neglected to set the same service standards. When I lived in Las Vegas the Apple Store replaced all the keys on my keyboard and fixed the cd drive at no cost to me with my Mac out of warranty. You will not find that here. Stick with Mac Tonics here in Eugene or ever Powermax up in Portland. I will never shop here again.

It’s really pricey, I mean if the Apple store doesn’t charge for diagnostics then why should the Mac store?
Knowledge:
Apple associates have way better knowledge then the folks in the Mac store. So really are they in it for the money or the pride? I don’t mean to rant but its what I have learned.

Im disappointed with this place. I came here during Christmas to get my wife some head phones that went over her ear so she could run and do her classes without them falling out. Simple enough right?
I walked in and seen some Skull Candy head phones that would match her new Shocks I just got her (I knew she would appreciate the color coordinating). I was surprised to find out these were $ 20. I was expecting $ 10 or $ 15, but $ 20 was a little surprise. I have a simple pair of ear buds and they’ve lasted over 6 months and still kick ass.
My wife’s expensive pair broke within two weeks. Im talking SHATTERED. It looked like Mary W. took a F’n hammer to them. So she took them back in and got them exchanged. I shit you not, two weeks later, the damn head phones looked like they smashed to hell all over again. Apparently they only do 2 exchanges in the store and then you have to mail the product in for service. So she has to wait 4 weeks to get her head phones back when they have plenty hanging in the store. I dont see why they cant just switch them out. After all, it’s their product that keeps defecting.